Massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) is a kind of computer role-playing game (RPG) that takes place in an online virtual world where a huge number of players interact with each other. Like in role-playing games, each player handles the part of a fictional character represented by an avatar and take control over many of that character's actions. MMORPG players utilizes a client to connect to a server that is typically run by the game publisher, which hosts the virtual world and stores or saves information about the player.

MMORPG is one of the most popular computer game genres and are played all over the world, with revenues said to be more than US$1 billion a year since 2006. World of Warcraft (WoW) is currently the world's most-subscribed MMORPG but its client only runs on Windows and Mac OS X platforms. So if you are using Linux, you may have to rely on Wine to play the game (see10 Best Windows Games That Can Be Played on Linux). However, if you want to play MMORPGs that are native on Linux, check out this list that I’ve compiled:

RuneScape RuneScape has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's most popular free MMORPG by having more than 10 million active player accounts. It is a graphical browser game implemented on the client-side in Java, and incorporates 3D rendering. RuneScape takes place in the world of Gielinor, a medieval fantasy realm divided into several different kingdoms, regions, and cities. Players can travel throughout Gielinor on foot, through use of magical teleportation spells and devices, and via numerous other methods, such as charter ships. Each region offers different types of monsters, resources, and quests to challenge players.

Regnum OnlineRegnum Online is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Argentina-based game development studio called NGD Studios. The game focuses on the conflict of 3 realms in which players take part, fighting against characters of opposing factions and capturing fortresses and castles aside from the usual player vs. monster combats in addition to usual character development present in other games of the genre. Currently, Regnum Online has more than 500,000 subscriptions and has received reviews in local newspapers, TV programs, and several game-related websites.

Wurm OnlineWurm Online is a Java-based fantasy MMORPG developed by OneTooFree AB. In the game, the player assumes the role of a peasant who can choose his playing style ranging from working alone to being part of a village. The core game-play involves wilderness survival, landscaping (terraforming) and crafting. Wurm Online offers the options of a PvP based game or a non-PvP game where you still have to survive the environment.

Yohoho! Puzzle PiratesYohoho! Puzzle Pirates is a massively multiplayer online game with mechanics driven by puzzles. The player takes the role of a pirate, adventuring on the high seas and pillaging money ("pieces of eight") from roaming enemy ships (human or computer-controlled). For example, to effectively sail a ship, players must play puzzle games representing work at the sails for speed, pumping bilge water to remove it from the ship, and carpentry to fix any damage the ship may take. Yohoho! Puzzle Pirates is developed by Three Rings Design.

A Tale in the DesertA Tale in the Desert (ATITD) is a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) set in Ancient Egypt. Most notably, the central focus of the game is unlike most other MMORPGs: society rather than combat. In fact, this game is one of very few in the genre to boast no combat system whatsoever. Instead, the focus of the game is economic development. A Tale in the Desert has one of the most complex crafting systems in an MMO in existence. At its core, it is a tradeskill MMO. A Tale in the Desert is developed and published by eGenesis.

DofusDofus is a Flash-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Ankama Games. It is primarily a Pay to Play game, though it still offers a limited amount of free content. Its success has led to the marketing of spin-off products, such as books, art and comics. It has also led to the development of two continuations: Dofus Arena, released at the beginning of 2006, which is an alternative "tournament" version of Dofus; and Wakfu, a continuation of Dofus, which is currently in the process of beta testing. The game has attracted over ten million players worldwide and is especially well known in France.

TibiaTibia is a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) created by CipSoft GmbH. It is one of the oldest MMORPGs and was considered most noteworthy in its early years. Its most unique aspect is being in a 2D environment, which is expected to contribute to the slow growth of the game as the gaming community rapidly shifted to 3D. Tibia is a free game that is open to the public, though players have the option to pay a fee in order to upgrade to a premium account, granting special in-game benefits, including additional areas to explore, access to vocation promotions, and extra spells.

WorldForgeWorldForge is a community of free game developers centered around developing software, music, art, code and content for free online games. The community is developing a flexible platform for online games, and a demo game Mason that runs on it. The WorldForge Project began in October 1998, under the original name of "Altima." It was originally envisioned to be an "Alternative to Ultima Online" and was mentioned in an article on the Slashdot news website, which became a major source of interested developers.

Do you play massively multiplayer online role-playing game on Linux? Share with us your favorite MMORPG via comment.